Shaping Australia’s Space Future: Policy and Strategy Forum
Description
Following the recent federal election, Australia stands at a pivotal moment in defining the direction of its space sector. This one-day forum brings together government officials, industry leaders, researchers, and policy experts to examine the evolving landscape and identify strategic priorities for the years ahead. Through focused discussions and expert panels, the event will explore key issues including national capability, regulatory reform, international collaboration, and investment in innovation. The event offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers and contribute to shaping a forward-looking, resilient space industry. What to expect:
Insights into the new government’s space policy direction
Strategic dialogue on industry development and national priorities
Networking with leaders across government, academia, and industry
This is where policy and strategy converge to define what’s next for Australia’s space future.
If you have any questions about the event please contact: isobel@spaceindustry.com.au
Shaping Australia’s Space Future: Policy and Strategy Forum: Programme
Time | Session | Speakers |
0730 | Registrations Open and Attendees Arrive + Breakfast Available for Attendees | |
0800 | Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome | Dan Lloyd (CEO, Space Industry Association of Australia) |
0805 | Opening Remarks: Mr Steve Georganas MP | Mr Steve Georganas MP (Member for Adelaide, Co-Chair Parliamentary Friends of Space Industry) |
0810 | Opening Keynote Address: Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy | Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP (Cabinet Secretary, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy) |
0825 | Keynote Address; Senator Dave Sharma, Shadow Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury | Senator Dave Sharma (Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Co-Chair Parliamentary Friends of Space Industry) |
0840 | Keynote Address; Chargé d’Affaires US Embassy Canberra | Erika Olson (Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy Canberra, Australia) |
0850 | Keynote Address: Lowy Institute This keynote address will explore the changing geopolitics of our region, and the need for an agile approach to ensure Australia's national resilience and security in the current geopolitical environment. | Sam Roggeveen (Director, International Security Program) |
0900 | Space Law Panel: Law and Governance Perspectives
Australia’s space industry stands at a pivotal inflection point—poised for rapid growth, but in need of regulatory frameworks that match its ambition. This panel brings together leading voices in space law and policy to explore how Australia can shape a streamlined, fit-for-purpose regulatory environment that accelerates innovation while safeguarding national interests. | Martyn Taylor (Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright)Dr Rebecca Connolly (Senior Lecturer specialising in International Space Law, University of Sydney/ Chair of the Australia New Zealand Space Law Council)Melissa De Zwart (University of Adelaide)Christopher De Luis (General Manager Office of the Space Regulator, Australian Space Agency)Moderator: Philip Citowicki (Strategy & Business Development Lead, Lockheed Martin Australia) |
0945 | Presentation from Australian Centre for Space Governance on Results of SIAA Space Sector Survey | Dr. Tristan Moss (Senior Lecturer in History, University of New South Wales, Canberra)Dr. Kathryn Robison (Senior Research Fellow Australian Centre for Space Governance) |
1000 | Morning Tea Served/Networking Break | |
1030 | Implications and Opportunities for Productivity, Sovereignty and Resilience – Cross-Government Perspectives on Space Capability
This panel brings together senior representatives from across government to explore cross-portfolio dependencies on space capability, and long-term opportunities for Australia to drive productivity, sovereignty, resilience, and innovation across Australia’s key sectors. From emergency response and national security to agriculture, mapping, and resource management, space-based technologies are becoming essential infrastructure. | Helen Wilson (Deputy Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources)Justine Jones (First Assistant Secretary, Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre, Department of Home Affairs)Samuel Grunhard, (First Assistant Secretary, Communications Services & Consumer Division, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Sport and the Arts) Moderator: Isobel Haddow (Head of Membership, Space Industry Association of Australia) |
1115 | Speaker Introduction: IMARC | Michelle Keegan |
1120 | Space-Enabled Sectors: A Cross Sector Perspective on the Value of Space for Australia This panel explores how space-based technologies—such as satellite imaging, remote sensing, and positioning systems—are critical to and currently transforming Australia’s agriculture and resources industries. From precision farming to mineral exploration and environmental monitoring, space capability is becoming essential infrastructure. The discussion will focus on how industry bodies can play a unifying role across sectors to drive adoption, align standards, and advocate for investment in sovereign capability. Panelists will also examine how coordinated, technology-focused strategies can uplift national productivity and ensure Australia remains globally competitive in critical industries. | Troy Williams (CEO, National Farmers Federation)Luke Coleman (CEO, Communications Alliance)Moderator: |
1200 | Emergency Management, Disaster Response and the Role of Space Capability for National Resilience This panel explores Australia's current emergency management requirements to understand how space-based technologies—such as Earth observation, satellite communications, and positioning systems— can underpin Australia’s national resilience. Experts will discuss how timely, accurate data from space supports disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, particularly in remote and disaster-prone regions. The conversation will also highlight the importance of investing in sovereign space capability and cross-agency coordination to ensure Australia can respond rapidly in times of crisis. | Greg Mullins AO, AFSM, MMgt, GAICD, FIFireE, EFO, CF, FIML (Former Commissioner Fire & Rescue NSW, and founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action)Martine Woolf (Acting Chief of Space Division, Geoscience Australia)Campbell Pegg (Director, South Australian Space Industry Centre) Moderator: Anntonette Dailey |
1250 | Closing Remarks
| Dan Lloyd (CEO, Space Industry Association of Australia) |
1300 | Lunch Break and Event Concludes | |
1330 | Lunch Break Concludes |
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
